Oman air traffic radar system Deal Signed Between Thales and Ankaa for Advanced Surveillance Network
Oman air traffic radar system is set for a major technological upgrade following a strategic contract signed between the Civil Aviation Authority and Thales, in partnership with Omani contractor Ankaa Space and Technology.
The agreement marks one of the most advanced radar modernization programs in the region, introducing next-generation air traffic control systems designed for both civil aviation management and military-grade airspace monitoring. The deployment comes as Oman continues to expand its aviation infrastructure in line with rising regional air traffic and long-term economic diversification goals under Vision 2040.
At the center of the program is a dual-layer radar architecture that combines long-range primary detection with advanced secondary identification systems, creating a unified airspace surveillance network capable of tracking, identifying, and managing both cooperative and non-cooperative airborne objects across Omani airspace.
A Dual-Use Radar Network Built for Civil and Defense Operations
The contract outlines a multi-system radar deployment designed to serve two parallel operational domains: civilian air traffic control and defense-related airspace awareness.
According to project details, the first radar system is scheduled to enter operational service in 2027, marking the initial phase of a broader national rollout. The system is structured to enhance both airport approach management and long-range en-route surveillance, providing continuous coverage across critical aviation corridors.
Rather than relying on separate systems for different phases of flight monitoring, Oman’s new architecture integrates both capabilities into a single coordinated network, reducing infrastructure duplication while improving real-time situational awareness for air traffic controllers and defense operators.
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TRACSIGMA Primary Radar: Long-Range Detection and Environmental Resilience
At the core of the system is the TRACSIGMA primary surveillance radar, a long-range L-band radar designed for simultaneous approach and en-route tracking functions.
Operating in the 1–2 GHz frequency range, the system is engineered to detect both cooperative aircraft and non-cooperative airborne objects that may not broadcast identification signals. This makes it particularly important for national airspace security in regions with complex terrain and variable atmospheric conditions.
One of the defining technical characteristics of the TRACSIGMA system is its ability to maintain detection accuracy across challenging environmental conditions, including dust storms, humidity variations, and mountainous terrain reflections. This is achieved through advanced digital signal processing techniques that filter environmental noise and improve target discrimination.
The system is also designed with built-in electronic resilience features aimed at reducing susceptibility to interference and electronic jamming, an increasingly important requirement in modern integrated air defense and civilian aviation environments.
RSM NG Secondary Radar: Digital Identification and Secure Airspace Coordination
Complementing the primary radar layer are two RSM NG secondary surveillance radars, representing the next generation of digital air traffic identification systems.
Unlike primary radar systems that detect objects independently, secondary radar relies on aircraft transponders to exchange identification and flight data. The RSM NG system supports both civil aviation modes, including Mode S and ADS-B, as well as military identification protocols such as Mode 5, enabling secure identification and classification of aircraft across both civilian and defense networks.
The system is built on a fully digital architecture in which signal processing occurs directly at the antenna level, reducing signal degradation and improving tracking precision. This design allows for higher accuracy in congested airspace environments where multiple aircraft may be operating in close proximity.
In addition, the radar employs solid-state transmitter technology with redundant system modules, ensuring continuous operation even in the event of partial hardware failure. Maintenance can be performed through hot-swappable components without disrupting active surveillance coverage.
Civil-Military Integration and Strategic Airspace Control
One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is its dual-use design philosophy.
Rather than separating civilian and military airspace monitoring systems, Oman’s new radar infrastructure is designed to support integrated operational awareness. This enables coordination between civil aviation authorities and the Royal Air Force of Oman when managing shared airspace, particularly during peak traffic periods or heightened security scenarios.
This integrated approach reflects a broader global trend in airspace management, where modern radar systems are increasingly required to serve both commercial aviation efficiency and national defense requirements within a single operational framework.
Local Value Creation and Knowledge Transfer
Beyond its technical scope, the contract includes a strong focus on local capability development through Oman’s in-country value (ICV) framework.
Under the agreement, approximately 40% of project value is expected to be localized through maintenance operations, technical support services, and workforce training programs delivered in partnership with Ankaa. This structure is intended to strengthen domestic expertise in advanced radar systems and reduce long-term dependency on external support providers.
The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes the development of high-skill technology sectors and the expansion of national expertise in aerospace, defense systems, and critical infrastructure management.
A Step Forward in Regional Airspace Modernization
The deployment of Thales-based radar systems in Oman represents a broader shift in how regional airspace infrastructure is being modernized.
As air traffic volumes continue to rise across the Middle East, countries are increasingly investing in integrated radar networks capable of handling both civilian and security-related requirements. Oman’s latest contract positions it among a growing number of states adopting next-generation digital radar architectures that emphasize resilience, automation, and multi-domain coordination.
With initial deployment scheduled for 2027, the program is expected to form the backbone of Oman’s airspace surveillance capability for decades to come, supporting both aviation safety and national security objectives in an increasingly complex regional airspace environment.
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